Information For:

Philosophy

Description

The Philosophy concentration offers courses covering subjects from the philosophy of religion to the philosophies of science and literature. It also provides survey courses on various periods in the history of philosophy. Concentrators can expect to strengthen their knowledge of and skills in ancient philosophy, early modern philosophy, logic, epistemology and metaphysics. Students are asked to identify an area of specialization. There is also a related, but separate concentration in physics and philosophy.

Student Goals

Learn to think analytically and creatively about philosophical texts and issues

Understand the work of major figures in the history of philosophy, including Plato, Aristotle, Descartes and Kant

Become familiar with arguments and approaches in metaphysics or epistemology, and a selection of other areas of philosophy, such as philosophy of mind and philosophy of language; as well as topics in ethics and political philosophy

Know how to carry out logical proofs and derivations within a formal system

Produce a significant body of written work

Requirements

Honors and Capstones

All concentrators must complete a capstone in the senior year. Capstone options include a reading course, a senior seminar (PHIL 0990), a graduate seminar (PHIL 2000-level), or an Honor's Thesis, typically researched and written over the course of the entire senior year. Interested students should consult with the concentration advisor during the sixth semester concerning procedures and requirements. Please visit the concentration website for additional information.

Liberal Learning

This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:

Affiliated Departments

Advisors

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Graduating Class

Year

Total

Capstone

Honors

2012

23

6

2013

35

28

1

2014

17

17

1

2015

17

17

3

2016

19

19

7

Alumni Pathways

Alumni who concentrated in Philosophy have pursued a wide range of careers, including as journalists, attorneys, research scientists, investment bankers, bioethicists, business executives, and university professors.